64 SECONDS to Learn Up To 25 THINGS about St. Louis Park High School
August 27, 2020
From the Interim Principal

Hello SLP Students and Families,

School is starting soon and we are excited to meet and connect with both our new and returning students during individual student orientation meetings with Park Connections teachers on September 8 and 9. Schools closed abruptly last March, leaving many students and staff feeling disconnected and grieving the loss of traditional year end concerts, plays, celebrations, and good-byes. A great deal was learned by all last spring, and we have worked extremely hard to begin this year with a laser focus on creating connections and building relationships with each and every student while delivering instruction in a distance model.

To make space for this relationship focus, we are continuing the BARR program (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) for all 9th and 10 grade students. We also created Park Connections, which takes place every day between 11:45 and 12:15, except for Wednesday the 9th, because of the orientation process. We hope each student experiences a sense of community and belonging with their Park Connections teacher and the other 18 - 25 same grade students in their Connections class.

Lastly, we continue to teach and embed #parkPRIDE into our school culture. Purpose, Relationships, Inclusiveness, Dependability and Excellence are what we expect of ourselves and our students.

Enjoy these last beautiful days of our Minnesota summer, and we look forward to a unique and exciting year ahead.

Kind Regards,

Wendy Loberg
Interim Principal
SLPHS Teachers are Getting Ready for the New School Year


Back to school teacher workshops started this week for new staff. Seen here getting to know our new staff - in person and virtually on Thursday.
Thank You to Our Student Volunteers!
Thank you to the students who were in school this week (while wearing masks and observing social distancing) helping us get ready for students to meet with their Park Connections Teachers on September 8 and 9!! We couldn't have done it without you!
Meet with Your Park Connections Teacher
Meet With Park Connections Teachers (formerly Advisory) on September 8 or 9
Each student has been assigned a Park Connections class and the Park Connections teacher will serve as an important point person for each student and family. There are between 20 and 30 same grade students in each Park Connections class. The Park Connections teachers will be contacting you next week to schedule a time to meet individually with your student on September 8 or 9 for a 30-minute orientation. Teachers will schedule these meetings between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on both days. Students may choose to meet virtually and some of our staff may need to meet virtually as well.  

During these 1-on-1 orientation meetings on September 8 or 9, teachers will meet and welcome each student, listen to students’ excitement and/or concerns about distance learning, review school expectations for a distance learning model, distribute textbooks and other school materials and have students sign a Safety Pledge. Students will also go to the Activity Center to get their Lifetouch school picture ID taken, sign their graduating class banner (new this year), get tech support help, pick up band instruments, and check out a computer in the media center, if the family needs one. Please remember that masks and social distancing are required for these meetings.
Student Schedule Changes 2020-21 School Year
Please continue to use the Online Schedule Change Form located on the login page of Powerschool for any schedule change requests.  

Requests can be made for the following reasons:
  • wrong level of a course
  • missing a prerequisite
  • missing a graduation requirement
  • conflict in my schedule
  • change level of a course

Please note, we do not make changes for teacher choice and/or time of day preference.

Also, classes are continuously balancing through the start of the school year. Please review your courses in Powerschool on September 7th to view the most up to date schedule.

Schedule changes will close at the end of the first week of school, Friday, September 11th. Our goal is to finish before that so if any concerns, please reach out as soon as possible. It will help teachers be organized and get materials to students for the start of the school year.

Barb Nelson
9th Grade Counselor, St Louis Park High School
Google Voice Number 612-562-9760 - Spring 2020 during Distance Learning
Office: 952-928-6131∙ Fax: 952-928-6238
Find Resources here: https://www.slpschools.org/Page/2508
Virtual Family Nights
In lieu of in-person events due to COVID-19, St. Louis Park High School will be holding Virtual Family Nights in September for parents/guardians of students in grades 9-12.

Grade 9 | Wednesday, Sept. 2 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Grade 10 | Tuesday, Sept. 15 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Grade 11 | Wednesday, Sept. 16 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Grade 12 | Thursday, Sept. 17 | 7-8:30 p.m. 

During these events, we will discuss pertinent information relevant to each grade level.I
Back to School Survey
If you haven't done so already, please take a moment to complete this survey.
School Material Returns
If your student still has textbooks or other school materials from last year that belong to SLP High School, please make arrangements to return them during the meeting with their Park Connections teacher. Materials may also be dropped off at the high school main office Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All textbooks are needed to ensure we have enough materials available for all students for this year’s use.
Helpful Information for Parents and Students

Watch the following video for instructions on how to create a PowerSchool parent account as well as information about some of the features available once you have an account created. 


Go to the St. Louis Park High School website for back to school information.
PSAT 2020
The PSAT is planned for Wednesday, October 14. Sign up and cost information will be available by October 1. If we are not able to offer in October due to current guidelines, there is the potential for a test date in January and more information will be shared at that time. The PSAT is to qualify students for National Merit Scholarships when taken in 11th grade. Students who are in the top third of their class and/or have over a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to take the test. Tenth graders who are in the top 25% of their class should consider taking the test as well as a practice for 11th grade. The PSAT can also be used as a practice test for the SAT. 

Please contact Jami LaPray, High School Testing Coordinator with any questions. lapray.jami@slpschools.org.
SLP High School Orchestra
SLP High Orchestra -- Over the summer we learned that Fiona Petrie was accepted into the All-National Orchestra. She is the first string player from SLP High to be named into the All-National Orchestra. In order to be accepted, a student must audition and get into All-State then audition again for All-Nationals. The camp was scheduled for November 5th-8th at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Due to the COVID pandemic she may not be able to attend. Regardless of whether she is able to or not, she still represents the excellence of SLP High and SLP District and its music program. Congratulations Fiona. 
SLP High School Band and World Drumming
Equipment for Band and World Drumming Students
As you may know, the first two days of school will be mostly short individual meetings with your Park Connections (formerly Advisory) teacher. Meetings are pre-scheduled and can be virtual or in person. 

Band Students: If you use a school-owned instrument (besides percussion), I likely know about it from your middle school teacher or from having you last year. Please stop by the band room (A110) the first or second day of school before or after your meeting. I can pause any meeting I'm in to help you quickly. This applies to you IF: 1) You play a large instrument and are hoping to rent a second one to avoid daily transport (once in hybrid or in-person instruction) OR 2) If someone graduated in your section and you are hoping to get a nicer instrument (if not sure, email me) OR 3) If you left your school-owned or personal instrument at school over summer, you will need it for distance learning. If you do not feel safe coming into school, please email me at schmitz.steven@slpschools.org and we'll arrange a distanced, outdoor meeting to get you your equipment.

World Drummers: Please visit Mr. Schmitz in the band room (A110) to pick up a bucket drum and some sticks. We will use them during distance learning. They are yours to keep. If you cannot stop by the band room during the first or second day of school, please go to the main office and I'll have buckets, sticks and a welcome note waiting for you. Log into Schoology (if you have trouble finding World Drumming alphabetically in your list of classes, check the Course Dashboard tab for a different view or email me at schmitz.steven@slpschools.org).
Athletics
Fall athletics began on August, 17th, if you are still interested in playing boys soccer, girls soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, boys cross country and girls cross country please contact the Athletic Department.

Soccer
Per the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), we are allowed a maximum of 250 total spectators at home varsity soccer games. Because of the limited number of spectators, priority has been given to the families of the home and visiting teams players. There will be no walk up ticket sales so if you are interested in attending a game please contact Athletic Director Andy Ewald at ewald.andrew@slpschools.org to check on availability. All varsity games will be broadcast on Park TV. At home lower level games at Louisiana Oaks, we ask that spectators wear a mask and practice safe social distancing.

Girls Swimming
Per the MDH, there will be no spectators allowed at any indoor swim meets. All home Park girls swim meets will be broadcasted on Park TV.

Girls Tennis
Spectators are allowed at the home matches at SLPHS. We ask that all spectators wear a mask and practice safe social distancing while supporting the Park girls tennis team.

Cross Country
Each cross country meet may have different guidelines on spectators. If it is a meet that allows spectators, we ask that they wear a mask and practice safe social distancing.

Please visit www.gopark.org for all your Orioles athletic information.
Drivers Education
Registration for Driver's Ed is now open!
Register and find more information here: Website
Back to School During COVID-19 From Counseling
Back to School Tips During COVID-19 Times For Parents and Kids click here.
Return to School Guide
The District released its Return to School Guide to families on August 14. This guide contains important information about the three potential learning models (distance, hybrid and in-person), health and safety guidelines and protocols, and other general information on a variety of topics including transportation, school nutrition, childcare, arts, athletics, and much more! Click here to download a PDF version of this document.

This document will be updated frequently and will be maintained on the district website at www.slpschools.org/covid19.